May 5, 1862, marks the Mexican army's victory over the French invaders at the Battle of Puebla. In the United States, the celebration of this victory has come to be known as “Cinco de Mayo.” Cinco de Mayo has become a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

25.9 million
Number of U.S. residents of Mexican origin in 2004. These residents constituted 9 percent of the nation's total population.

10.1 million
Number of people of Mexican origin who reside in California.

15.7 million
Number of people of Mexican descent born in the United States.

10.3 million
Number of foreign-born residents from Mexico. About 3 in 10 foreign-born people are from Mexico.

25.3
Median age of people of Mexican descent. This compares with 36.2 years for the population as a whole.